Carragher declines England return

Monday 15 January 2007 00:08 BST

England manager Steve McClaren has confirmed Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has decided not to return to international football.

McClaren made a personal visit to Liverpool's training ground on Monday for a face-to-face meeting with Carragher, but the situation remained the same, with the tough defender politely declining a request to change his mind.

McClaren told a press conference, televised by Sky Sports News: "I met Jamie on Monday and had a very good conversation but unfortunately he's stayed with the decision to not be involved with us."

He added: "We respect that, Jamie has been a fantastic servant for England. I won't close the door, who knows in the future."

McClaren did not say he would never consider Carragher again and also admitted Sol Campbell could return to the England team.

He added on Sky Sports News: "I'm not ruling out anybody at the moment."

McClaren admits losing Wayne Rooney to injury is "a big blow" but believes his squad can cope without the Manchester United striker.

The 21-year-old is out for two months after suffering a hairline fracture of his left foot in United's opening Premier League game against Reading and will miss the friendly against Germany and more importantly the Euro 2008 qualifiers against Israel and Russia.

McClaren accepts Rooney is a key player but sees no reason why the team cannot still get the right results in his absence.

He added: "He is an important player for England and I was disappointed to get the phone call but by Monday morning I had to move on. We have always had to do that in the past and we'll do it again."